Hose-coupling



(No Model.)

IJ.A.FREGEAU.

HOSE COUPLING.

110,545,066. Patented Aug. 27, 1895.

JJ Z/ZPJ Z UJQQ Nrrnn States ATENT ri ics.

JoHNNIE A. rename, or NORTH BROOKFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS.

HOSE-COUPLING.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 545,066, dated August 27, 1895. Application filed May 9,1896- SerlalNo. 548,665. (No modeli) .To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, JOHNNIE A. FREGEAU, a citizen of the United States, residing at North Brookfield, in the county of WVorcester and State of Massachusetts, have invented a new and useful Improvement in Hose-Couplings, of which the following, together with the accompanying drawings, is a specification sufficiently full, clear, and eXactto enable persons skilled in the art to which this invention appertains to make and use the same.

The object of my present invention is to provide anefficient coupling for fire-hose that can be coupled and uncoupled with ease and dispatch.

To this endmy invention consists in a coupling the parts of which are constructed and combined for operation in the peculiar manner hereinafter explained, and as illustrated in the drawings, wherein-- Figure 1 is a side view of my improved hosecoupling. Fig. 2 is a longitudinal section, the two divisions being separated; and Fig. 3 is a transverse section at line X X, but with the 2 5 hinged section opened.

Referringto parts, A and A denote end portions of the hose, to which the coupling is applied.

B and B indicate the coupling-heads, each 0 formed with a tubular extension b and shoulder 0, over and against which the end of the hose fabric is arranged and there firmly confined by the annulus C and a screwthreaded thimble or clamping-collar I), that screws 3 5 onto the threaded portion (1 of the couplinghead, said thimble being provided with a lip e that engages the annulus G and forces it toward the shoulder for compressing the fab ric between the parts, as illustrated.

The coupling parts consist of the inner member formed with a small neck portion f, adjacent to the head B, and an outwardlyprojecting rim or end portion F, affording a swell or shoulder h between the neck and 5 end portion.

The outer member is formed with an overlying portion having an annular groove or recess G and an inwardly-projecting rim or end portion l-I, said recess G being of proper o dimension to receive the projecting rim F,

and the rim H of proper shape to embrace the neck f of the inner section, the shoulder h interlocking with the shoulder h when the parts are placed together. A semicircular section B of the outer member is hinged at one side, as at K, so as to swing open, as indicated in Fig. 3, the other portion or section B being integral with or rigidly fixed on the hub B.

A spring-latch I is provided for retaining the swinging section closed. Said latch I is arranged within a cavity formed in the side of the coupling, one end fixed by a screw qt or otherwise, and its other end being free to spring outward, the latching-lug directed outward to engage a catch-bar J, that bridges over the cavity 5 in the swing-section B shown. A thin movable cover N is provided for closing the cavity over the end of the latch l to avoid accidental contactwith the latch. Said cover is pivoted at at and is retained, when closed, by its end entering between studs 6. The cover is shown in open position in full lines and in closed position by dotted lines in Fig. 1. A guard-plate is best formed on the exterior over the spring-latch, as indicated. A ring of compressible or elastic packing P is secured in a suitable annular recess within the end of the hub Bto make a tight joint against the end of the inner member when coupled.

R indicates a projecting lug or rib to aid in handling the catch devices.

The operation is as follows: For coupling the hose the hinged section is opened, as in Fig. 3, and the end F of the inner member is placed by lateral movement into the groove G of the outer member. The section B is then closed, locking the parts together, the latch snapping automatically into engagement. For releasing the coupling the cover -N is swung off from the cavity 5 and the thumb inserted therein, depressing the end of the latch from the bar J thus instantly releasing the hinged section, which opens andv releases the inner member.

I claim as of my invention and desire to secure by Letters Patent- 1. The within described hose coupling, com prising the coupling member B provided with means for its attachment to the hose fabric, and having its coupling end formed with a fixed half section, and a hinged half section, internally fitted with the recess G, the centrally disposed shoulder h and inwardly pro-- jecting rim I-I, said hinged half section having a cavity 5, with a catch-bar J bridging over said cavity, and the spring-latch secured to the fixed half section and extending beneath the guard 7 thereon, with its free end adapted to enter beneath and catch, by outward flexure, upon said bar J, when the parts are brought together, for retainingsaid hinged section; in combination, with the inner coupling member having the neck f, outwardly projecting rim F and shoulder E, all substantially as and for the purposes set forth.

2. In a hose coupling, the combinatiousubstantially as described, with inner and outer coupling members, the latter internally fitted I to receive and engage the inner member, and

provided with the fixed and the hinged semicircular sections and the connecting latch, said hinged section having a thumb cavity 5 and catch-bar J formed therein forreceiving the latch-end, and a movable cap-plate for covering the cavity over the end of the latch, for the purpose set forth.

3. In a hose-coupling, the combination of the coupling heads formed with inner and outer engaging members, the outer member provided with the hinged laterally swinging section, the latch devices for retaining said section closed, the guard-plate and adjustable cover over said latch, the outer end of said coupling members respectively provided with the tubular extension I), the shoulder c and screw threaded part (1, and the threaded clamping collar and the annulus arranged on said ends for attaching the hose fabric, substantially as shown and described.

Witness my hand this Sthday of May, 1895.

JOHNNIE A. FREGEAU. Witnessesr ELLA P. BLENUS, EDWARD F. E1800. 

